On August 3, 2010, 115 young African leaders spent the day with their peers and counterparts at the U.S. Department of State. Many individuals traveled far and wide, a few of them bravely risking their lives, to be at President Obama’s first-ever President’s Forum with Young African Leaders.
The excitement of the day was abundantly evident by the smiling faces of the participants waiting for the start of the Forum. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Bruce Wharton, welcomed them to their first step of the three day journey. Glancing around the room, at the many delegates in their traditional clothing, it was clear that Africa was alive and vibrant. It was truly a beautiful sight to see.
Up next, we were shown a video featuring some of the participants speaking candidly on youth empowerment and what Americans can do to help. I learned that a person, no matter what his or her age or race, can be empowered and motivated to achieve something great and that we are all capable of making this world a more peaceful and equitable place for all.
Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Johnnie Carson, mentioned how the objective of a partnership between Africa and America would have a profound impact on the world. I couldn’t help but notice a smile appear on most of the guests’ faces. I breathed a sigh of relief knowing that as an intern working at The Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa, the United States would finally get the chance to see what Young African Leaders could do.
Following the plenary, participants attended small dialogue sessions while discussing topics such as: Transparency and Accountability; Quality Education and Skills Training; Access to Capital; Creating Jobs and Encouraging Entrepreneurship; Youth involvement in Democracy and Governance; Technology and Innovation in Africa; Advocacy: Speaking Truth to Power and Overcoming Obstacles; and Developing a Responsible Business Climate in Africa.
Bernadette Paolo, President and CEO of The Africa Society of The National Summit on Africa, along with two other distinguished guests, moderated the “Advocacy: Speaking Truth to Power and Overcoming Obstacles” session. They asked participants to introduce themselves and make their case in two minutes. The purpose of this “elevator speech” was to get someone interested in what we are doing to the extent that they would like to hear more and support us.
Afterwards, guests enjoyed an appetizing lunch under the tents of the Harry S. Truman Building. You could feel the excitement in the air as some guests ate swiftly because Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was on her way. Once everyone had gathered inside the auditorium again, it was time for the main event for some who had traveled so far. Secretary of state Hillary Clinton got a standing ovation as she entered the room and waved to the crowd. Once everyone was seated she made the speech everyone had been anticipating all day. The Secretary acknowledged the fact that the continent of Africa had “brimming potential, but that there’s a lot of work to be done”. She mentioned that there an was abundance of youth leaders working hard with her and President Obama to help modernize and create clean energy for the continent.
But for many, nothing could compare to the journey on which they were about to embark to the White House East Room to attend a Town Hall meeting with President of the United States Barrack Obama. In his speech, President Obama stated “in the 21st century, capable, reliable and transparent institutions are the key to success — strong parliaments; honest police forces; independent judges; an independent press; a vibrant private sector; a civil society. Those are the things that give life to democracy, because that is what matters in people’s everyday lives.” The young delegates were very energetic and grateful for their opportunity to meet with and listen to President Obama.
For most of these young people, this is their trip to America was important in empowering themselves to be more influential in their own communities as leaders. They will remember the places they traveled and the faces they met for the rest of their lives. This is just the beginning of what is to come of their enduring relationship with Africa and America.
